From the Arctic to Antarctica

Embark on a self-guided journey of discovery into Sisimiut’s past and present during a visit to its museum. Disembark your ship and stroll to Sisimiut’s colonial quarter, where the Sisimiut Museum preserves Greenland’s heritage. The museum is housed within a cluster of historic colonial-era buildings, some dating back to the 18th century, including Bethelkirken or the “Blue Church.” Step inside to explore exhibits spanning thousands of years of Arctic life—from Saqqaq-era tools to dog sledding traditions that shaped travel and survival. A reconstructed peat house illustrates family life a century ago, while outdoor displays feature traditional boats and a model of Greenland’s first fish factory, reflecting Sisimiut’s enduring fishing heritage. Rotating seasonal exhibitions add a modern perspective and showcase local art and creative interpretations of Arctic life.

Experience the stunning vistas of Sisimiut from the water during a ride in a Special Operations Boat. Board your vessel from the ship’s shell door landing and take to the waters surrounding Greenland’s second-largest city, set against a striking backdrop of towering mountains and glacial valleys. Once securely on board, lines will be untethered and your thrilling journey will begin. As you motor across the water, witness dramatic fjord landscapes and keep watch for the seals and humpback whales who are known to frequent the area. Your highly maneuverable vessel will allow you to reach less accessible locations along the water’s edge. Knowledgeable specialists will be on hand to explain the natural world that surrounds you and to alert you of wildlife sightings. At the end of your excursion, your Special Operations Boat will return you and your fellow travelers to your ship.

Take to the water and explore your surroundings with a member of your Viking Expedition Team. After a thorough introduction and safety briefing, transfer from your ship to the kayak staging area, where you will receive your paddle and join a fellow traveler in a two-person kayak. Your kayak has been designed to provide a combination of stability and comfort as you paddle your way through the open water. Dressed in a kayak suit and bespoke life jacket for maximum maneuverability, you will be geared up to remain warm and dry during your expedition experience. Immerse yourself in your surroundings, marveling at the dramatic scenery of the fjord and staying alert for potential sightings of local marine wildlife, including humpback whales.

Discover Sisimiut, where the traditional and modern aspects of Greenland converge. Board your motor coach to experience a fascinating blend of old and new as you travel through Greenland’s second-largest city. Known for its picturesque hiking trails, Sisimiut has been continuously inhabited for the past 4,500 years. Here, modern industries and educational institutions coexist with traditional hunting practices, offering a glimpse into Greenland’s complex and ever-changing cultural tapestry. Enjoy photo stops at Sisimiut’s most scenic locations and an exclusive visit to Sled Dog Town at Greenland Dog Adventure, where you will gain insight into the culture of dog sledding and learn about the Greenland Dog Preservation Program. After this enriching visit, return to your coach for the journey back to your ship.

Enjoy picturesque views of the unspoiled Greenland wilderness on a scenic mountain hike. Board your motor coach for a drive through the town of Sisimiut, passing through Sled Dog Town on your way to the Arctic Circle Trail. This breathtaking expanse of Greenland backcountry is known for its serene atmosphere and isolated trails, which offer an immersive wilderness experience. With your guide, hike along part of the 78-mile ATV track, admiring the rugged, untouched landscapes and the vibrant Arctic flora. Immerse yourself in stunning natural surroundings which showcase the diverse beauty of the region. When you reach the mountain’s peak, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the area and the town of Sisimiut below. Enjoy time for photographs before retracing your steps back to town and boarding your coach for the return journey to your ship.

Embark on a scenic cruise and hike through one of Greenland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Set out from Sisimiut on an invigorating journey across the serene Amerloq Fjord. Admire the breathtaking natural surroundings as you motor across the pristine waters toward Aasivissuit-Nipisat. Upon arrival, disembark from your vessel and enjoy a guided hike around Nipisat Island, the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once home to a mission station, a whaling station and a military garrison, the island is now a tranquil sanctuary. As you explore, you will learn about its early Inuit inhabitants and the founding of Greenland’s second colony during the early 18th century. During your visit, stay alert for sightings of wildlife such as seabirds soaring overhead. Afterward, return to your vessel for the journey back to Sisimiut and your awaiting ship.

Board your ATV in the backcountry of Sisimiut to immerse yourself in the picturesque Greenlandic wilderness. Disembark your ship and prepare to experience the rugged terrain and spectacular scenery of Greenland’s backcountry up-close during an invigorating ATV ride. Begin your journey with a drive through town, passing by the sled dog area home to the famous Greenlandic sled dogs, known for their tremendous strength and endurance. Witness firsthand the beauty of Greenland’s wild nature as you traverse the gravel road, one of the few in Greenland that takes you right into the untouched backcountry. Your destination is a viewpoint, where you will be met with picturesque views of the expansive wilderness and wide-open landscapes of Sisimiut. Soak up the stunning surroundings before heading back to the harbor to return to your awaiting ship.

Experience a fascinating blend of old and new as you call at Sallinnguit to discover tales of Inuit heritage. History and progress converge on the small island of Sallinnguit, where ancient Inuit ruins exist alongside modern telecommunications infrastructure. Known as “Tele Island” in English, the island has been inhabited by Inuit for over 4,000 years. Join your guide for an exploration of Sallinnguit, where you can take in stunning views of the town and its historic hunting grounds. Marvel at the captivating blend of old and new as you explore the island, investigating ruins from different periods and learning about Inuit life before European contact. Your guide will share stories and insights about Inuit connection to the land, their traditions and their survival. After your enriching experience, return to your awaiting ship.

Gain insight into Greenlandic culture and history as you explore one of its many “ghost towns.” Board your vessel for a journey across pristine Arctic waters to Assaqutaq, a former fishing settlement. Located at the base of Nasaasaaq Peak, it was officially closed during the 1970s and now serves as a summer camp. Upon arrival at Assaqutaq, you will explore the island with your guide, who will share insights about the settlement and its history. Call at the old fish processing factory and the historic church for a glimpse into the past, or visit the summer camp house to see how Greendlanders have repurposed this abandoned settlement as a tool to teach their children about their heritage. You will be captivated by the eerie beauty of the traditional cemetery and the views of rugged terrain and the surrounding fjord. After your visit, return to your awaiting ship.

Sample regional flavors and mingle with the locals during a tasting experience in Sisimiut’s colonial district. A short walk from the harbor brings you to your tasting venue, a 19th-century residence in the heart of the colonial district, which once served as a hospital and a jail. Here, local hosts will introduce traditional dishes enjoyed in this region for generations. Sample specialties which may include reindeer, muskox, dried cod, whale skin, Greenlandic shrimp, snow crab and the national soup, suaasat—each prepared with methods rooted in Arctic life. During your visit, you will hear stories that connect the food you taste to family traditions and discover how these dishes are prepared, as well as their significance to Greenlandic life. Your hosts will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. At the end of your visit, you will return to your awaiting ship on foot.

Discover Greenland’s fishing heritage as you cast your line in Arctic waters and seek out the catch of the day. Travel to your embarkation point, where you will meet your crew and climb aboard your fishing vessel. After a brief safety orientation, you will receive an introduction to the gear and techniques you will use throughout your excursion. Then, set out along the coast, stopping at carefully chosen fishing grounds to try your hand at reeling in cod and wolffish, known inhabitants of the area. Fish directly from the deck, with the option to warm up inside the cabin and enjoy complimentary refreshments. After, return to shore and travel to a nearby restaurant, where the chef will prepare your catch. Enjoy your meal with a glass of wine, beer or a soft drink, then make the journey back to your awaiting ship.

Meet Greenland’s most iconic working dogs and gain insight into the country’s Arctic heritage. Found only north of the Arctic Circle, these resilient animals have been essential to daily life in Greenland for over 4,000 years. Meet your guide and drive to a local dog yard, then enjoy a presentation about the history of sled dogs and the specialized gear that enables travel across frozen landscapes. Your hosts will teach you how to approach and interact with them safely, then observe demonstrations of traditional equipment and enjoy some time to pet the dogs under supervision. Conclude with time for questions, where you can gain a deeper understanding of one of Greenland’s enduring traditions before you return to your ship.

Traverse Arctic landscapes in comfort during a ride by Utility Task Vehicle, designed to navigate harsh terrain. Begin at the harbor, where you will meet your driver, an experienced local, and board your UTV. Settle in and take in the views as you travel deep into the backcountry across rocky trails made easily navigable by these sturdy vehicles. Your first stop is Dogtown, where Greenland’s sled dogs live and train—hear stories of their long history, their essential role in Arctic survival and the traditions that keep dog sledding alive today. Next, continue your ride through Sisimiut to a waterfall near Anker’s Hut, a peaceful setting where you will have time to pause for photographs of the surrounding fjords and valleys. Soak up the beauty of the untouched wilderness, then return to your vehicle for the drive back to town and onward to your awaiting ship.